Preserve it! Series: Know Your Elevation When Canning
Make your altitude adjustments.
Did you know that at altitudes over 1,000 feet above sea level, you need to make adjustments to your canning procedures? When boiling water or steam canning, processing times need to be lengthened. When pressure canning, pressure needs to be increased. Why? Because as elevations increase, atmospheric pressure decreases, which results in water boiling at a lower temperature. Lower temps are not as effective at killing bacteria, so at higher elevations, adjustments need to be made to processing times or pressures to ensure a safe product.
The times and pressures for canning recipes are based on processing at sea level, where water boils at 212°F. Recipes from reputable resources generally include altitude adjustments, but if not, and you live at higher elevations, use these tables to detemine your processing times and pressures. If applicable, make adjustments when sterilizing your jars, too.
Boiling Water or Steam Canning Guidelines
| Altitude (In Feet) | Increase Processing Time by |
|---|---|
| 1,001 - 3,000 | 5 minutes |
| 3,001 - 6,000 | 10 minutes |
| 6,001 - 8,000 | 15 minutes |
| 8,001 - 10,000 | 20 minutes |
Pressure Canning Guidelines (Weighted Gauge Canner)
| Altitude (In Feet) | Adjust Pounds of Pressure to |
|---|---|
| 1,001 - 2,000 | 15 |
| 2,001 - 4,000 | 15 |
| 4,001 - 6,000 | 15 |
| 6,001 - 8,000 | 15 |
| 8,001 - 10,000 | 15 |
Pressure Canning Guidelines (Dial Gauge Canner)
| Altitude (In Feet) | Adjust Pounds of Pressure to |
|---|---|
| 1,001 - 2,000 | 11 |
| 2,001 - 4,000 | 12 |
| 4,001 - 6,000 | 13 |
| 6,001 - 8,000 | 14 |
| 8,001 - 10,000 | 15 |
For further information on preserving visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) or contact your local Cooperative Extension office.
Brought to you by the UC Master Food Preservers of El Dorado County
Last updated July 2025